Turkiye’s strong desire to buy F-16 from US persists, defying previous statements
According to Ismail Demir, Turkiye will not be allowed to arm newly purchased F-16s with Turkish indigenously developed munitions. (Photo: US DoD)
Turkiye's renewed interest in the long-gestating F-16 deal, despite geopolitical hurdles and a potential ban on adding indigenous weapons, highlights the significance of this strategic acquisition for Ankara's military capabilities.
Despite previous claims from Turkish public figures, Ankara remains committed to purchasing the latest F-16 fighter jets from the US.
On 29 May, US President Joe Biden said his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan – who just secured another term in the recent election – expressed his intentions about the Lockheed Martin-manufactured aircraft.
Biden, in turn, wants Turkiye to drop its objection to Sweden’s NATO membership.
"He [Erdogan] still wants to work on something on the F-16s. I told him we wanted a deal with Sweden, so let's get that done. And so we'll be back in touch with one another,'
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